The interim government on Thursday gave final approval to the draft law titled Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026, recognising physical, verbal, psychological, gestural and digital-space behaviour as forms of sexual harassment.
The approval was given at the regular weekly meeting of the advisory council at the Chief Adviser’s Office in the capital.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi said the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026 consists of four chapters and 20 sections.
“A key aspect of the law is that physical, verbal, psychological, gestural and digital-space behaviour has been included as forms of sexual harassment,” she said.
Noting that women are routinely subjected to severe sexual harassment in digital spaces, Tithi said the ordinance directly addresses that reality.
Under the proposed law, a women-led committee will be able to receive complaints verbally, in writing or online, she said, adding that investigations must be completed within 90 days of receiving a complaint.
“The ordinance takes into account provisions for security and psychological support for complainants. Priority has been given to ensuring complete confidentiality throughout the investigation process,” she said.
Tithi said the ordinance also incorporates provisions for punishment in cases of sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions.
“Punishment provisions include warnings, suspension or termination from employment, expulsion, or compensation. There are also provisions for punishment if a complaint is proven to be false,” she said.
The proposed draft includes provisions for forming monitoring committees at the national, district and upazila levels to oversee the implementation of the ordinance.
It also includes a provision to establish a special fund to provide financial assistance, rehabilitation, counselling, legal aid and awareness programmes for victims.
The council of advisers also approved the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance 2026, aimed at safeguarding women’s rights within the household.
Physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual behaviour or abuse, and economic abuse have been included as forms of abuse under the ordinance.
Referring to the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance 2026, Tithi said the draft contains 30 sections across seven chapters.
Key features include ensuring the right to shelter, medical treatment, psychological support, legal remedies and emergency protection measures.
“To limit contact or proximity with the abuser, the ordinance allows the court—based on a complaint—to issue temporary protection orders, followed by permanent orders upon completion of the investigation. After receiving a complaint in the prescribed form, a preliminary investigation must begin within seven days, and a report must be submitted within 30 days,” she said.
The meeting also approved nine other ordinances and proposals, including draft ordinances to establish the Cumilla and Narayanganj Development Authorities, the observance of 23 March as BNCC Day, and the establishment of a Bangladesh mission in Guyana, to be headed by a first secretary or counsellor.
CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing.
